Application
In addition to the application requirements of the Graduate School (three letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and transcripts), the Field of History requires all applicants to submit a writing sample (an academic paper or essay that demonstrates their ability to do historical research, 20-25 pages). Applicants must also have taken the Graduate Record Examination (verbal, quantitative, and analytical -- the subject exam in history is not required). GRE's must normally be taken before December so that scores will be reported in time for review for admissions the following fall. Non-native speakers of English must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Faculty may also choose to interview prospective students via telephone. See graduate school information regarding tests scores - GRE, TOEFL.
To apply for graduate study go to the Cornell Graduate School web site, for the on-line application. Any supporting documents (writing sample, letters of recommendation, etc.) that you are unable to submit through the on-line application, for some reason, may be sent to: Graduate Field Coordinator, Dept. of History, 450 McGraw Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853; or as an attachment to: bad2@cornell.edu. For any questions or concerns regarding your application, contact the graduate field coordinator at 607-255-6738; or at bad2@cornell.edu. Completed applications (including all additional documents) must be received by January 1 in order for applicants to be considered for admission in the following academic year. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. You are advised to please contact the graduate field coordinator before the deadline to make sure that all of your required documents for the applcation have been received. Admissions decisions are made by late February.
Due to the large and very competitive pool of applicants each year, the field of History does not admit students for a Masters degree only.
Students are strongly encouraged to contact the faculty they would like to work with to make sure that they are accepting graduate students and will be on campus to supervise their work.
If admitted to the Cornell history PhD program, see 'field requirements' for all course requirements, language proficiency and exams that need to be met in order to receive the PhD.